Discrete element modelling of the quasi-static uniaxial compression of individual infant formula agglomerates

Infant formula is usually produced in an agglomerated powder form. These agglomerates are subjected to many transient forces following their manufacture. These can be difficult to quantify experimentally because of their small magnitudes and short durations. Numerical models have the potential to address this gap in the experimental data. The objective of the research described here was to calibrate a discrete element model for these agglomerates using experimental data obtained for quasi-static loading, and to use this model to study the mechanics of the particle response in detail. The Taguchi method was previously proposed as a viable calibration approach for discrete element models. In this work, the method was assessed for calibration of the model parameters (e.g.; bond stiffnesses and strengths) considering three responses: the force at failure, strain at failure and agglomerate stiffness. The Weibull moduli for the simulation results and the experimental data were almost identical following calibration and the 37% characteristic stresses were similar. An analysis of the energy terms in the model provided useful insight into the model response. The bond energy and the normal force exerted on the platens were strongly correlated, and bond breakage events coincided with the highest energy dissipation rates.